Pune: Mechanical cleaning operations on 18-meter and wider roads in Pimpri-Chinchwad have encountered obstacles due to ongoing construction and footpath development projects by the municipal corporation.

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is conducting a survey of roads in all eight ward (regional) offices to address these issues. Surveys in four regional offices have been completed, and adjustments to cleaning operations are underway.

The PCMC health department manages the mechanical cleaning of city roads that are 18 meters and wider. Operations began in February 2024, with the city divided into northern and southern zones. Four agencies oversee the cleaning in four divisions, each equipped with two large and two medium road-cleaning vehicles, two dumpers, and one water tanker.

A workforce of 55 personnel per division, including 32 cleaning staff, nine drivers, ten operators, and four helpers, is deployed to ensure daily cleaning of 40 kilometers of road per vehicle.

Currently, roads, BRTS corridors, highways, and service road footpaths are cleaned mechanically three times a week, while central dividers and roadside walls are cleaned once a week. However, ongoing construction work has created obstacles, prompting PCMC to conduct a detailed survey to refine the cleaning process.

The Pune-Mumbai highway and Aundh-Ravet road, two high-traffic routes, are currently cleaned on alternate days. Due to increased dust and debris caused by vehicular movement, these roads will now be cleaned daily using mechanical methods.

Speaking to mediapersons, Assistant Commissioner Ajinkya Yele stated, “We are reviewing roads in all eight regional offices, and adjustments are being made based on the survey findings. For roads with official parking arrangements, cleaning will be scheduled early in the morning to minimize disruptions.”